Frequently Asked Questions


1. I have been shooting for years. Why do I have to start with the Basic Pistol Course?

Many people who have been shooting for years either never had proper instruction or may have
had the wrong kind of instruction. It is actually easier to teach someone from scratch than break
old habits that prohibit a shooter from being really accurate. In our experience, the people who
accelerate the fastest are the ones who come to us with an open mind and the willingness to
learn new skills to become more accomplished shooters. Our basic class is our most important
one. It is the class upon which you will build all your shooting skills and upon which you will
advance the fastest. If you have already attended other firearms schools, you may qualify for an
advanced course with us. You must contact PTTA to have your training reviewed and vetted.


2. How is your training different from other schools?

Very simply, the quality of instruction, cost of classes, equipment we use, and teaching techniques
we have developed over the years. We train everyone to draw from a holster in a specific manner.
We teach the use of deadly force and how to survive in a shooting. While other schools might
teach methodology, everything we teach has been field-tested and works in the "real world". 


3. How are your instructors different than at other schools?
 
Our instructors are from...Private Security, Military, Law Enforcement and PSD/WPPS contractors.
The common thread among our staff is each instructor shall possess the minimum qualifications
required by a nationally accepted or academic standard for certification as a General/Firearms
Instructor. All instructors for Perroni's Tactical Training Academy must take PTTA General Instructor
Development and Firearms Instructor Development administered by Lead/Master Instructor Tom
Perroni. Each year we receive hundreds and hundreds of hours of instruction from outside trainers
and schools. We have vowed to never become marred down by traditionalism or the status quo..
Many of them have been instructors for well known schools. They are up to date on weapon
systems, trends in crime that may affect you, and will keep you informed on the latest shootings
that have transpired. While many schools use instructors from small police departments who have
had little or no experience in the use of deadly force, or civilians instructors who have attended
some firearms schools, we use only very seasoned Instructors. Our instructors are not clones of
one another who recite a lesson plan given to them, but each brings his or her own knowledge
and experience to a class. You will get many different perspectives on training. Our advice to you
is that before you attend any school, find out the credentials of the instructors..


4. How come I've never heard of your school if you have such great instructors and courses?

While many schools have enormous budgets for marketing and advertising, they pass that
expense on to you. Our students come to us by word of mouth and we are able to pass on that
savings to you. Our one-day classes are only $100 and most of our courses pack two days of
training into one because we usually run several ranges at once. Our courses are highly dynamic
and will challenge you.


5. How do I know which class to take and where to start?
 
Go to our link marked "Courses" on the home page. If the course is underlined it gives a course
 syllabus. This will give you a guideline of what skills you will need to enter a specific level of
training. You may also e-mail or call Tom, Greg or Brad at any time to discuss specific training
needs or questions.


6. What is the closest airport to your facility and are there hotels and restaurants near by?

Dulles Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from our range and Stafford Airport is only a 40 minute
drive. There are numerous hotels within 15 minutes of the class room / range and also a great
many restaurants and shops. If you go to our "directions" link on the Upcoming courses page,
it will take you to map quest and give you driving directions.


7. How do I sign up for a course?

Go to our home page and click on the navigation bar on the left that says, "Course Sign Up".
It's very simple. Some Handgun Safety Courses have a sign up sheet at Gander Mountain.
(However we recommend the web site sign up)


8. What if I want to take a specific class but don't own the appropriate weapon?

We rent out every kind of firearm so you don't need to bring your own. Please let us know in
advance if you will need a specific firearm.


9. I work for a police agency and several of us want to take a class that we don't see listed
on your schedule. Do you put on classes for private groups?

We do a great deal of private training, both for individuals and groups. If you want private
training, we will be happy to set it up for you at your range or ours. Our instructors travel to
locations around the world to put on courses. We will be very happy to set up private training
based on your needs for law enforcement, military or civilian groups. Contact us for details.


10. I will be flying in from out of town. Can I ship my gun to you before the class?

Firearms cannot be shipped to anyone except a gun dealer. You can, however, rent one from
 us at a nominal fee but this should be arranged beforehand.


11. What do I need to bring to a class and what should I wear?

Wear sensible clothing appropriate for a rustic outdoor setting, the same as you might wear
hiking. For example, loose-fitting pants and a t-shirt that tucks into your slacks would be
appropriate! Wear comfortable, sensible shoes and bring a jacket or sweatshirt. The weather
 can change quickly on the range. If you are coming to a basic class, wear a sturdy leather belt
at least 1 inch thick and bring a hat to keep the Brass out. Be sure to bring some kind of eye
protection such as shooting glasses. No one is allowed on the range without eye and ear
protection. If you are attending a basic or advanced level class, you should bring a hip holster,
(3) spare magazines, the appropriate rounds, a magazine pouch, and a well-cleaned and oiled
firearm.


12. Where is your Classroom & Range located?

The classroom is located at 3708 Plank Road Fredericksburg, Va.22407 inside the Gander
Mountain Lodge. You get driving directions from (2) place on our web page ‘Contact Us” Page
as well as the “Upcoming courses page” just click on the direction link and insert your address
and this will give you driving direction to the class room. (From Map Quest) Directions to our
range facility will be given to the students at the time of the course in the class room. The range
 is approximately 25 min from the class room.